I feel the closing of one year brings to surface the accomplishments and successes it embodied. 2016 seemed to go by in the blink of an eye, but as each of us reflect on where we have come, we can’t help but be proud. I strive to improve every year; and I embrace change because I believe that change is the most important ingredient in life.

Each and every client we were able to work with in 2016 became a part of our identity as a design firm. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me over the years and granted me the privilege to design their homes. They are all patrons to the arts. We stand behind our concepts, and we take pride in our projects.

This year I was asked to participate in ‘The Decorator Showcase House’. After visiting the houses every year for the last 16 years it was an honor to be a part of this amazing benefit for University High School. This year’s house was in a new neighborhood for the showcase, and the little study I designed had a view of the Art Institute of San Francisco. I felt pure joy looking out the window once my room was completed and I reflected on my start in San Francisco when I attended the Art Institute at the age of 18. I thought about how I met many life long friends while studying there. One of which, became part of my chosen family. Meaning, her family chose me. They took me into their lives and supported me in my new adventure in San Francisco. It was in this family where I met the glorious matriarch, Julie Hove. She was not only lovely and kind, but one of the most stylish women I had ever met. She was also an incredible interior designer. She was the first person to take me to the Design Center, and her encouragement gave me the confidence to participate in the fantastic world of design. Julie passed away a few years ago, but she lives on in my memory. She told me I always had a home with them for the holidays if I wasn’t able to make it back to Indiana to spend time with my family. She said it didn’t matter the holiday, “….Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter……Flag Day.” I always think of how Julie made me laugh while she included, encouraged, and supported me. She is on my mind during the holidays especially. I think she would have been proud of me this year.

I started at Showcase in the spring, but there was more to be grateful for in 2016. I also I had my childhood dream home fully realized on Nob Hill; and a story about my home was published in 'Marin at Home' with a beautifully written article by Zahid Sardar. In the fall, one of my New York projects was published in LUXE New York. Mostly, I am grateful for the 21 projects we worked on this year and the hardworking people who helped bring these ideas to reality. I have the most impressive support staff, and I can’t thank them enough for all of their hard work. However, it wasn’t all work, there was a lot of love in 2016. I attended 10 weddings! Yes, 10!

I hope every single one of you is well; and you are able to take a moment of gracious reflection for where you have been, and where you are going.

The future looks bright for me, and the staff at ISD, and your support means everything. Check us out on our webpage: www.ianstallings.com and follow us on Instagram: ianstallingsdesign for all of our latest design concepts. We would love to create a fresh space for you in 2017!